Chapter 1203: Chapter 1203

For people like Helian Tiehua and Prince Nalan, Shen Tianjun's promise was akin to an empty check. However, for others, it was highly attractive, and the crowd instantly became excited.

The reason Shen Tianjun gave such a promise was actually to dilute people's feelings towards Shen Qingyi. After all, what happened last night put the Shen Family in a passive position. He had to ensure Ye Qing became the winner of this marriage contest. However, he also needed to appease others, so he made this offer out of necessity.

"This marriage contest is divided into three stages, which is three events, and it will be an elimination process," Shen Da said loudly. "You are all young talents from various places, and none of you are weak. Ordinary duels would be meaningless to you, so these three events do not include martial arts!"

"What!?" Everyone was astonished. The marriage contest of Southern Fist King Shen Tianjun's granddaughter, and they won't test the suitors' martial arts skills? What is this? Everyone here is from major forces in the martial arts world, so if it's not about martial arts, then what's it about? Eating contests?

Shen Da had anticipated the surprise of the crowd, and he didn't speak further. He waited for the discussions to die down before smiling lightly: "I understand your doubts. Originally, we planned to have a martial arts competition. However, after reconsideration, it's somewhat inappropriate. First, since fists and feet have no eyes, if any accidents occur during a martial arts contest, it is not the purpose of this marriage contest. If determining the winner through a martial arts competition was the goal, wouldn't it have been more suitable to simply call it a martial dueling contest?"

With that, Shen Da paused for a moment, then smiled: "Furthermore, you are young people, and there are differences in your current strength, which is natural since people learn different things. However, differences in martial arts now do not mean it will always be that way. The most important aspect for young people is talent. As long as you have remarkable talent, you all have the opportunity to grow in the future. Therefore, what we need to see is your talent, not the current level of your martial arts."

Upon hearing this, Bei Shisan and Wanyan Ming both looked displeased. They considered themselves unbeatable among the younger generation, yet this marriage contest did not involve martial arts, taking away their greatest advantage.

"Why so much talking!" A rough-looking man stood up and shouted: "This is Shen Family Manor, whatever Senior Shen Tianjun says, we follow. Besides, the events of this marriage contest are transparent, everyone can see them. Regardless of what we are competing in, it's fair."

This man, named Xu Changyong, was a hero in his right, known for his straightforward and unrestrained personality. While others remained silent, he was the first to speak.

However, Shen Da, knowing his character, understood there was no hostility in his words and just smiled faintly without saying more.

"Shen's words are without error. As Brother Xu mentioned, the most important thing, no matter what the competition is, is fairness!" Huang Yidao slowly stood up and said: "However, there is one thing I don't quite understand."

Shen Da immediately responded: "Elder Huang, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!"

Huang Yidao glanced at Ye Qing standing nearby and asked: "And this Ye Qing standing here, what does that mean?"

Shen Da laughed: "He is standing here because he is also participating in the marriage contest."

"Is that so?" Huang Yidao coldly chuckled and said: "We didn't know about this when we came over yesterday. Shen, I'm not questioning your approach, I just think I should voice certain things."

As Huang Yidao spoke, he turned to address the crowd and said loudly: "Those who came to participate in the marriage contest are all heroes from various places, especially Peak Masters like Prince Nalan and General Helian who personally came to Shen Family Manor. This shows respect for Shen and support for the family's marriage contest. However, while we respect Shen, should Shen also respect us?"

Shen Da slightly frowned, glanced at Shen Tianjun, and said: "Elder Huang, is there something the Shen Family has failed in, please inform us."

"I dare not instruct, Mr. Huang only wanted to speak some fair words." Huang Yidao spoke loudly: "As I mentioned earlier, everyone present is a hero in their right. Though Mr. Huang may not have great abilities, he does have some renown. I'm not trying to patronize, but I feel that for this marriage contest, there should be a threshold. Can just any Tom, Dick, or Harry sit with us? Is Shen Family insulting themselves, or us?"

This remark caused a change in the expressions of the crowd, as Huang Yidao's words were quite severe.

Ye Qing frowned, realizing Huang Yidao's statement clearly targeted him, treating him as a nobody, evidently trying to drive him out of the marriage contest venue.

Shen Tianjun also slightly furrowed his brows, casting a puzzling glance at Huang Yidao. With Huang Yidao's strength and character, he shouldn't have said such things unless someone was backing him to create trouble deliberately.

Shen Da glanced at Shen Tianjun and whispered: "Elder Huang, where did the Shen Family fall short to cause such a loss of dignity in your eyes?"

"Did you not understand my words?" Huang Yidao turned to look at Ye Qing and said loudly: "Fine, I'll make it clear. Shen, everyone here is at least a hero. Yet, what qualifications does this Ye Qing have to sit here?"

Shen Da smiled lightly and said: "Ye Qing is the disciple of Northern Fist King Li Sanye. I wonder if this identity qualifies."

Huang Yidao responded: "The Northern Fist King's strength is well known. His disciple naturally has the qualification. However, we are only speculating whether he is indeed the disciple. Furthermore, even Prince Nalan and General Helian came here in person to show respect. Is it appropriate for a junior like him to come on his own? Setting aside what happened last night, don't you think his actions are somewhat improper?"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Shen Family frowned, clearly seeing that Huang Yidao was deliberately stirring up trouble.

Ye Qing also turned gloomy, feeling that Huang Yidao's words were disrespecting Northern Fist King Li Changqing. He gritted his teeth and said solemnly: "Elder Huang, do you mean my Master should come personally?"

Huang Yidao gave Ye Qing a cold glance and replied sternly: "If you have the ability to bring him here, I'd like to meet him!"

Ye Qing was furious and was about to speak when Shen Tianjun finally spoke: "Brother Huang, Brother Li San has been dead for many years, which is common knowledge. Since we are of the same generation, why disrespect the deceased behind their backs?"

Shen Tianjun's tone was clearly displeased, showing his dissatisfaction with Huang Yidao.

However, Huang Yidao remained calm, smiling faintly: "Shen, since Brother Li San has passed, I think it's inappropriate for someone to use Brother Li San's name to deceive others. Whether this Ye Qing is indeed Brother Li San's disciple is unknown, yet he wanders around brandishing his name. While Brother Li San's reputation holds weight, it shouldn't be squandered !"

Shen Tianjun frowned deeper, knowing that even after he personally intervened, Huang Yidao wouldn't let go of the matter, showing he had backing. Since last night, Huang Yidao had been aggressive. Undoubtedly, a Peak Master was supporting him, otherwise, he wouldn't dare be so audacious. But who exactly was supporting him?

Shen Tianjun asked solemnly: "Brother Huang, after saying so much, what exactly are you trying to convey?"

"Simple, out of respect for the Shen Family and consideration for us, I feel that Ye Qing shouldn't participate in this marriage contest," Huang Yidao said loudly: "Until it's confirmed that he's indeed from Northern Fist King, only then will I acknowledge him. Otherwise, what qualifications does he have here?"

This statement was a clear attempt to expel Ye Qing so that when his identity was confirmed, the contest would be over.

Shen Tianjun frowned, observing that most people supported Huang Yidao. If he insisted on allowing Ye Qing to participate, it would appear disrespectful to everyone, which was a heavy accusation.

While Shen Tianjun pondered, someone suddenly rushed in from outside, urgently saying: "Master, two people have forcefully entered the manor and are now trapped in the Eight Trigrams Array!"

"What?" Shen Tianjun immediately turned and led the way out. After last night's incident, now there was trouble again; Shen Family had become too lively these days. Who could be causing trouble now?

The crowd followed suit to the Stone Bagua Formation. Upon reaching the area, they could see from a distance two people circling inside the formation, and they were both monks.

One monk wore a yellow robe, while the other's robe, presumably also yellow, had become black and shiny, covered in grease, appearing very sloppy.